How to Feed Your Dog: from Diet to Feeding Schedules

Did you know that dogs who have a poor diet can suffer from gastrointestinal problems like constipation, diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome? These medical conditions pop up in our four-legged friends for the same reasons they do in us - too much ingested fat, starch and sugar. For this reason, it's important to understand what to feed and how much to feed your dog. Below are a few basics you can follow, which are based on traditional veterinarian guidelines.

CORE DIET

The best diet for any dog is one that promotes energy, health and digestion. As a result, this diet should be low to moderate in calories and fats and be high in nutrients. What foods fit this bill? Lean meats. Raw vegetables. Whole grains. Consider the following:

Proteins (lean cuts only)
Pork meal
Chicken meal
Ground corn
Whole (cooked) eggs

Raw Vegetables
Carrots
Garlic
Dried tomato pumice
Dried sweet potato peelings

Whole Grains
Pearled barley
Ground rice
Flax meal

You can prepare these foods yourself and add in natural supplements that promote strong bones and excellent eye sight. A rule of thumb to follow is to combine ½ meat with ¼ grain and ¼ vegetables. Use water and/or a little bit of chicken fat to break down the meal into a palatable texture your dog can appreciate. However, if you aren't a cook, you can buy a variety of canned dog foods.

For those of you who prefer buying canned dog foods, this is also an option that will satisfy your dogs nutritional needs as long as you choose wisely. What type of brands should you be looking for? The ones that contain lean meat, whole grains and vegetables. Check labels and steer clear of brands that carry meat-meal and meat-by-product. Also, avoid dog foods with a base primarily created from corn and wheat because of their lack of protein. Remember that the dog food you purchase must be high in quality and not just a cheap or popular brand.

FEEDING TIPS

How you feed your dog is also a key factor in his proper digestion and over all health. On average, you should feed your dog the same diet once a day at the same time every day. Why? It promotes easy digestion, regular bathroom habits and balanced sugar levels. Also, keep in mind if you decide to change your dogs routine in any way, to do it slowly. This will help him avoid indigestion, diarrhea and other side-effects that you will end up cleaning up.

Portion size is also important. Obesity is an increasing issue with dogs and leads to a variety of health problems. So here is a list that offers a healthy ratio of food per meal based on your dog's weight.

Adult Weight per Food Portion
Up to 10 pounds - 1/3 to 1 cups
10 to 25 pounds - 1 to 2 ¼ cups
25 to 50 pounds - 2 ¼ to 3 ¾ cups
50 to 75 pounds - 3 ¾ to 5 cups
Over 75 pounds - 5 to 8 cups

This portion size list is based on the usual veterinarian recommendations and can be altered based on your dogs needs. However, be sure that your changes are based on your dog's health and not just a soft spot for an overzealous, hungry dog.

ODDS AND ENDS

A few final odds and ends about your dogs diet. Make sure you dog always has easy access to plenty of fresh water in a clean bowl. Water is as essential to his health as the food he eats. In addition, there are certain foods you should NOT feed your dog. Theses foods are chocolate, fat trimmings, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, raw eggs, human vitamins and raw fish. These foods can lead to certain types of diseases that will decrease your dogs quality of life or even end it.

In conclusion, providing your dog with a balanced, nutritious diet that promotes his energy, health and digestion is a vital part of ownership. Buy the proper foods, follow a feeding schedule and hydrate your dog. It will ensure that you dog experiences a high level of health and that you both enjoy a long life together.